Sports play an important role in child development because physical activities and team games help children develop social skills, self-discipline and self-confidence. Children who are introduced to sports at an early age gain skills in many areas.
The positive habits and behavioral patterns acquired during this process tend to continue into adulthood. This effect of sports contributes to children becoming successful individuals in the long term by increasing their general quality of life as well as their personal development.
Behavioral patterns acquired in childhood can often create a sustainable effect throughout an individual's life, and this is called the "monitoring effect" 4. The monitoring effect states that habits and attitudes developed at an early age are reinforced over time and shape the individual's personal and social life.
Regular physical activity strengthens children’s muscle and bone health; as a result of activities such as jumping, leaping, climbing and running performed during childhood, bone matter becomes more durable and dense 3 . This reduces the risk of bone diseases in the long term. In addition, sports have positive effects on the cardiovascular system; it strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease.
It helps children reduce their risk of obesity because regular exercise burns calories and helps manage their weight healthily.
It increases their stamina and boosts their energy levels, helping children live more active and energetic lives.
Children who do not do sports may be deprived of these physical advantages, and may face weak muscle and bone structure, low energy levels and increased risk of health problems.
Therefore, sports contribute greatly to children's physical development and general health. Therefore, integrating sports into children's lives supports children's physical health and increases their overall quality of life.
Sports have many positive effects on children’s brain development. It increases blood flow to the brain, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach brain cells, which improves brain health and function.
During sports, neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are released in the body; these chemicals improve mood and help children feel happier, more motivated and more energetic.
On the other hand, physical activity stimulates the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus – the brain region responsible for memory and learning – thus increasing children’s learning capacity and memory power.
Therefore, children gaining the habit of doing sports regularly supports the development of neural networks in the brain, allowing information to be processed more quickly and efficiently. All of these effects contribute to sports strengthening children's mental flexibility, creativity and overall brain health.